That's me above on the right - a big nerd! I learned quite a bit growing up a farm boy in rural Indiana. Here are a few lessons learned:

If I drove the mower too close to the driveway I'd shoot rocks onto grandpa's truck.

If I didn't close the gap in that fence (the one at a pig's eye-level) you can guess what got out and I had to chase to get back in the pen!

Most friends don't appreciate the smell of farm animals, even if that's your family's livelihood!

To reiterate what I've shared before, there is a way things work. Certainly on the farm. Definitely in our life with Jesus, too. I've found a tool that helps me pray with more confidence, more scripture backing, and more authority. It's helped my intimacy with Jesus and stay centered. It's called The Daily Prayer.

Check out the Daily Prayer by Ransomed Heart Ministries. I encourage you to download or listen if you haven't already. See how these truths set you up for a more powerful and effective prayer life!

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’​John 16:13‭-‬15 NLT​

Jesus tells his disciples that Holy Spirit "tells us what he has heard." Have you thought about that? Isn't it an amazing truth that Holy Spirit, with whom we interact daily, actually speaks what he receives from Jesus?

Until recently this was something I entirely missed. He "guides [me] into all truth," and, "he will tell [me] about the future." These are really significant promises, particularly as I approach others in a posture of leadership and intercession. I need guidance into truth. I need insight towards the future to be effective.

Have you considered these promises & truths? How does it impact you considering Holy Spirit actually speaks "whatever he receives from [Jesus]?"

When someone is hurting, we're called to comfort. But we must be careful how we respond. Misinterpretation is common, and the effects can be devestating. We need correct interpretation of one's story and a Spirit-inspired response. Here's a snippet from a Desiring God post:

"We must take great care. Presumption, which can spring from the bias of our experience, as well as from the ignorance of our inexperience, can result in misdiagnosing a problem and misapplying biblical truth. And this only adds insult to injury."

And this is why,especially when praying with someone in need of comfort, we should start prayer asking Holy Spirit to guide our interpretation. Without that guidance my best efforts are quite dangerous, both for myself and for the person with whom I'm praying. It's also a good idea to simply ask Jesus to come, guide, and show me how to pray.

Getting into these habits will help us gain a better perspective, seek a correct interpretation, and be inspired by Holy Spirit to best connect. For great insights and more guidance on this topic, check out the Desiring God blog post that inspired this post!